Kyu Won K

WHEN WINTER CAME.

“I hate winter,” I complained.

“My coat is wet and my fingers are cold.”

I kicked a rock, feeling mad

About all the things that winter brings.

I muttered and groaned,

Ranted and raved, and finally

Looked back towards my home,

Longing for spring.

I looked into my window and gasped.

Sitting on my bed,

Elbows on the windowsill,

Staring out at me was

A young girl.

I whispered, “Are you Winter?”

She nodded silently, and disappeared

In a gust of wind.

Now, five years later, I no longer hate winter.

I do not yell with happiness when the groundhog sees his shadow.

Autumn is agonizing for me; a season of waiting.

Now the season I love most is winter,

Because every year when winter reaches out

And buries the world in its cold snow,

I sit in my room waiting, waiting

Until she comes and talks with me.

Its funny how I used to hate winter.

How five years ago, I was looking about the snow resentfully.

Because now,

Winter is my best friend.

***

KOREAN HORNBEAM

I grew up side by side with my brothers and sisters,

A small but happy tree.

Until one day I was taken from my home,

And sent across the sea.

They sent me to America,

Where I was put on display,

Longing for someone to come

And take me home again.

Now I’m old and shriveled,

My roots twisted and gnarled.

But I still think of Korea,

The place where I had grown.

And whenever I see Korean children,

I shout to them, “hello!”

And they seem to remember me,

The tree that their parents danced around as children.

The tree that hold memories of their country.

They seem to remember me,

Even if we’ve never met.

***

Desert Rose

A brilliant pink blossom

On top of a cluster of long green leaves on slender stems

Isn’t it surprising how such a pretty flower

Can grow in such a harsh environment??